show startup-config
Displays the configuration stored in NVRAM that will be loaded the next time the device boots up.
show startup-configWhen to Use This Command
- Verify configuration was saved successfully
- Compare saved vs running config to find unsaved changes
- Review config before reload to confirm no unwanted changes will persist
- Backup verification after copying running-config to startup-config
Command Examples
Compare startup vs running
R1# show startup-configUsing 2048 out of 253952 bytes ! version 15.4 hostname R1 ! enable secret 5 $1$abc$xyz ! interface GigabitEthernet0/0 ip address 192.168.1.1 255.255.255.0 ! end
Output shows NVRAM usage and saved configuration. If this differs from show running-config, there are unsaved changes.
Understanding the Output
The first line shows NVRAM utilization in bytes. The configuration shown is what will load on next reboot. If startup-config differs from running-config, the device has unsaved changes that will be lost on reload.
CCNA Exam Tips
show startup-config reads from NVRAM — this is what loads on boot
If startup-config and running-config differ, config was changed but not saved
erase startup-config + reload = factory reset
No startup-config output means NVRAM is empty — device will boot to setup mode
Common Mistakes
Assuming running and startup configs are always the same
Forgetting to compare both after making changes
Erasing startup-config without intending a factory reset
Related Commands
copy running-config startup-config
Saves the current running configuration to the startup configuration file in NVRAM, ensuring changes persist after a router reload.
erase startup-config
Deletes the startup configuration file from NVRAM, causing the router to load with factory defaults on next reload.
show running-config
Displays the current active configuration in DRAM, showing all non-default settings.
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